Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 18, 1992 TAG: 9203180270
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROB EURE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
It was the second day in a row Wilder took on a powerful Virginia lobby through his veto power.
The higher truck speed limit, sponsored by Del. Pete Giesen, R-Waynesboro, would have let trucks go as fast as cars on all interstates. The big rigs now are supposed to go no faster than 55 mph.
The higher limit would have applied on most interstates in Western Virginia. All are considered "rural" except Interstate 581 and a short stretch of I-81 near Roanoke.
Truckers produced statistics supporting their contention that a uniform limit would make interstate driving safer, but Wilder discounted their logic.
"I've learned long ago you usually get what you pay for," Wilder said of trucking-industry-financed studies backing the higher speed limit. "Study after study has proven that faster speeds lead to less reaction time for drivers and an increased risk of fatal accidents."
Dale Bennett, executive vice president of the Virginia Trucking Association, said Tuesday the industry "wanted a uniform speed limit because we think it's safer. But it's not something we're overly concerned about."
The industry was successful, however, in turning around enough votes in the Senate to pass the measure after it initially failed.
Wilder said he had heard no argument from truckers that faster speeds are needed to deliver goods.
Wilder said the veto, coupled with his veto Monday of a bill sought by banks to deregulate credit card interest charges, was intended to show that he is shunning traditionally powerful lobbyists.
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